College of Professional and Liberal Studies –
A 1.7 GPA. And 42% in one of my classes. That was on my 10th-grade report card.
That piece of paper tells the story of a student who lacked confidence, and who didn’t think they were capable of great things.
But that’s not my story anymore.
Growing Up in Memphis
I was born in San Diego, Calif., while my mom was finishing her last Navy deployment.
By my first birthday, we were in Memphis, where my grandparents, George and Virdie Harris, stepped in to raise me and my brother, Robert.
They knew how to raise a daughter but raising two boys was something new. It wasn’t easy, but they did everything they could to keep us steady.
I struggled with confidence, and I never felt like I belonged in the classroom.
Still, there were moments of light.
In third and fourth grade, I had a teacher, Ms. Payne, who poured into her students. She created “after hours” experiences to show us different sides of Memphis and taught us that there was more out there if we were willing to look.
Those small moments stuck with me. They showed me the power of a mentor — even if I didn’t know it at the time.
Lost Without a Road Map
When I walked across the stage at high school graduation in 2015, I didn’t have a plan.
College was never a conversation in my family. Neither did we have conversations about my future. There was no road map for me.
I enrolled at Southwest Tennessee Community College because it felt like the next step. But I didn’t have a “why,” and my lack of direction showed. I didn’t know how to study. I didn’t see the value of school. My grades reflected that, and eventually, I dropped out.
From 2017 to 2021, I drifted. I volunteered, worked small jobs and tried to figure life out. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t living up to my potential.
Mentor-Made
The turning point came through mentorship.
At Southwest, Professor Jerome Wilson became more than a teacher to me. He helped me get my driver’s license, encouraged me through setbacks and constantly reminded me that I belonged in school. Another role model, Jordan Truesdale, stepped into my life like an older brother. He taught me the value of hard work and helped me get my first job.
Through Project MOST, a success coach continued to pour into me even when I couldn’t see a future for myself. These people gave me direction when I had none. That’s why I always say I’m not self-made. I’m mentor made.
“The turning point came through mentorship.”
A Defining Moment
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I lost my job at a community center and took work at a warehouse.
One day, I saw an older man leaning against the conveyor belt. He didn’t look satisfied, and I couldn’t shake the thought: Is this where I want to be in 20 years? That moment changed everything. I went back to Southwest Tennessee Community College, worked hard, and earned my associate degree.
In spring 2024, I enrolled at the University of Memphis — this time with a sense of purpose and a belief that I belonged.
Jumping In at Memphis
Even before I was officially a student, I attended the Empowered Men of Color conference in Fall 2022 and 2023. That event made me want to be a Tiger.
By the time I enrolled in spring 2024, I was ready to dive in.
I joined Empowered Men of Color and earned “Brother of the Month,” became Fellowship Chair ’24-’25, and now the Mentorship Chair for my final year.
I was elected a senator in the Student Government Association. I joined Black Scholars Unlimited. I became a Student Ambassador and Commencement Ambassador.
I logged more than 80 hours of service, including a project in the Bahamas.
Service has always been central to my life. From my teacher Ms. Payne to the mentors who shaped me, I’ve always been on the receiving end of others’ investment. Now, I try to pay that forward so someone else can benefit the way I did.
Finding My Place
Being older than most students has been an adjustment. I was in my late-20s when I enrolled at the University of Memphis, and at times it was hard to figure out my role.
But I found community here — and mentors who guided me along the way.
Ryan Wade, director of the Center for Service and Volunteerism, was always available when I needed support.
Their belief in me helped me see myself as a leader and gave me the confidence to move forward.
Looking Ahead
Today, I’m pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership and will graduate in the spring of 2026.
I’m interning in human resources with Christ Community Health Services. And I hope to continue in HR or another role where I can develop people the way others developed me.
That’s my purpose — to honor the people who invested in me by paying it forward.
If I could give advice to someone crossing the stage at 18 without a plan, it would be this: live with curiosity. Say yes to opportunities. Volunteer. Get involved. Curiosity will connect you to mentors, and mentors will change your life.
Ten years ago, I was a student with no confidence and no direction. Today, I’m on track to graduate with honors. That didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen alone. I am mentor-made, not self-made.
